The truth about a complex built for veterans and the middle class and how it has evolved through the years to become one of the more interesting and controversial of New York stories.

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Management has two priorities: 1) Making sure money is made, hence upgrading and filling up apartments is their goal. "Amenities" are important in selling the place, though few residents use them. 2) If someone needs medical attention, Public Safety will be there, if alerted.

Quality of life issues are not that important, however. Things like the carpet rule or outsider dogs. These "rules" tend to be ignored, on purpose it seems. So you will see a lot that isn't taken care of properly, and complaints will be met with a creative excuse and a smile.

"Peace and quiet" must be a cruel joke, though this property is sold that way. There can be no peace and quiet as ALL apartments must be upgraded, which includes the installation of an AC unit below the window. Aside from the continual construction about the neighborhood, there is a new and noisy subway extension being built along East 14 st and the shut down of the L line. "Choosing" to live in NYC, now the newest mantra, is a fabrication when the talk is of ST and PCV, which was traditionally quiet, with no construction noise.

Though money was always important, it is now more important than ever. Money rules many things, as you will find.

At this point, 30 years into living here and seeing many things, I can state that Management and their reps are BS-ing us. I can't say that loudly enough: We are being BS-ed. I don't see any genuine change, though the "selling" of this place is intense. Few of the "rules" will be enforced, as Management doesn't want to lose customers or potential customers. Where personal integrity is a hallmark of an excellent management style, this integrity is not seen in enforcing some of the rules.

About those "club cars" we see going this way and that way, and outside of Stuy Town or Peter Cooper Village:

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Fencing Goes Up in Stuy Town

It's interesting idea, and some residents (concerned about the look of the grounds) have advocated it, so now Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village are going to get new fencing around many (?) areas. I took a walk yesterday to see the work that's being done on the southwestern portion of Stuy Town, and came away with mixed emotions. On one hand some type of fencing needed to be done so as to prevent residents and dogs from tramping through the garden areas (with the dogs relieving themselves in those areas); on the other hand, the fencing that's being put up is problematic for a number of reasons. Since it's wire fencing, it doesn't look as handsome as chain link would, though chain link fencing would probably be too low to keep away residents and dogs. (The wire fence is about three feet high.) Also, the wire mesh that's used can be a bit unwieldy in putting up. A tour of the fencing confirms that the posting and the fencing have been done rather sloppily in places. The following photographs show a job not that well done, with posts at slanted angles and the wire meshing bulging this way and that:

Also seen in this area is white rope fencing, which I hope is temporary because it looks HORRIBLE:

This is the way the fencing should, in general, look, with posts set relatively straight and the fencing visually unobtrusive:

Just as it saddened me to see a fence turn up around the main Oval grass area, it also saddens me to see this new fencing, but the need for fencing is apparent when certain residents refuse to follow rules by keeping themselves and their dogs off the grass areas where they are not meant to be. I see no other solution.

107 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Everything seems to sadden you--the fence, not having the fence, the angle of the fence, the color of the fence, the fence is up too long, the fence isn't up long enough...I agree we need to put up fences for some parts, but I have NO problem with people walking or sitting on some parts of the grass. You'd put up iron gates around every grass area, making look like a grass museum. Why not just use astroturf then if you want a fake community?

Okay, Mr. Everything is Great Here. Please respond to this question. You've seen the photos I've taken of the sloppy fence work. Do you consider this sloppy work or do you consider it professional, fine work?

It looks fine. It's not perfect, but I don't expect perfection in every single aspect of temporary fencing. It doesn't need to be at perfect 90 degree angles with absolutely no curve, etc. It looks like fencing designed to allow grass to grow. You are looking for reasons to complain. It looks like landscape fencing, not permanent fencing. Why are you whining about it?

Huh? I don't have a dog and I don't sunbathe, so, no, I don't actually use the grass that often, though I do like to feel the soft grass when I walk sometimes instead of asphault and will take the opportunity to walk on grass on occasion if it is given to me. And I like to see people using the grass, true. I would hate the bleak, colorless, lifeless world that you want to see, it's depressing.

Duh--take one look at it. That's not permanent fencing. It's temporary landscape fencing. You are cracking me up with this paranoia about being management. If you only knew...(I am your next door neighbor).

Okay, Mr. Everything is Great Here/My Next Door Neighbor.... So you say it's temporary landscape fencing. Then, the fence around the Oval is also temporary landscape fencing, no? Same design, except a bit taller.

>>I like to see people using the grass, true. I would hate the bleak, colorless, lifeless world that you want to see, it's depressing.<<

Where did you read in my post that I'm against people using the grass? I myself use the appropriate grass areas of the complex. My post refers to the areas that are typically off-limits, like the gardens, where dog owners let their dogs go to relieve themselves. Fencing is needed there because of these self-absorbed, asshole residents. Stop making the issue black or white because it suits your spin. Read my posts more carefully, please.

People like STR know how beautiful ST was, and it really is sad to see what's evolved. Long-time residents know it's way past the point where anything beautiful can be restored. Each thing management does to try to fix what they destroyed is hideous. It saddens me to see STR waste his time responding to someone like the 12:22PM poster.

Thanks, but I do believe we will see an upswing in beautification here during the year, as I believe CW Capital is going to auction this place either later this year or more probably next year, and will want to present the property in the best way it can. At this point, we may as well sit back and enjoy the ride.

Temporary fixtures quickly become permanent these days. I actually can't believe they took the ice rink away! I figured they'd just default on the payments and wait for someone to reposes it. Live and learn.

Contrary to what Mr. Everything is Great Here stated, I do believe the wire fencing is here to stay; not the white rope one, however. Also there will be plenty of free-range grass available for man and dog alike.

If this place is ever sold to the tenants, all this will become a bigger issue for the unit owners. The worse the property looks, the less apartments will bring on the market if & when people decide to sell. Easy to see now...non-dog owners who own yelling at dog owners who let their dogs go anywhere. Just a matter of time. If it's important enough to them, dog owners will probably favor a condo conversion & non-dog owners will favor a co-op conversion. There are reasons why co-ops are more fastidious about upkeep.

I'm for the return of fencing but this project looks half-assed. The poles are crooked and the varying chicken wire / white string looks ghetto. The poles don't even match in some spots. Can they do ANYTHING right?

@STR-Like Dame Edna, you have come “Back with a Vengeance.” Welcome back. I think your take is correct, CW Capital has put up these lawn fences to prep the property for a sale. The game plan seems to be the same one that Met Life used. Window dressing that hides the rot beneath. On a positive note, to the troll he thinks we who post here just complain, the Maintenance request service has been, at least in my recent experience, fantastic. Also, Public Safety, dealing with them on the endless litany of noise complaints (tenants not in compliance of the 80% carpet lease requirement), their response to me has been professional and understanding as well. The property managers, well, not so good. One final note. Rose Associates is just the hired hand of CW Capital. Andrew MacArthur, not Adam Rose, is the one who call the shots here.

It's too bad we need to have fencing put up to keep these god damn college kids from ruining everything they come in contact with. They forge paths through grass in the gardens, they forged paths on the oval and that had to be fenced off. God fucking forbid they walk on the existing sidewalks. I hate all of them. They ruin everything!

>>It's too bad we need to have fencing put up to keep these god damn college kids from ruining everything they come in contact with. They forge paths through grass in the gardens, they forged paths on the oval and that had to be fenced off. God fucking forbid they walk on the existing sidewalks. I hate all of them. They ruin everything!<<

In truth, I see a good number of older residents forging paths and letting their dogs run around in the garden and plant areas. Which is depressing, as they should know better.

Money for fake fences but no budget for washing machines? Andrew MacArthur and his brood should be forced to live in a Stuy town apartment for a month and get a taste of his own filthy medicine! I doubt his wife would dress her kids in the dirty clothes that come out of these crappy machines. Try and get a good night sleep with 50 college kids wooooo hooooooing all night long! MacArthur wouldn't step foot in the hell slum he created. Plant all the posies you want but this place is a deteriorating dump!!!

The new Ace Hardware is selling grills and hibatchis. It's only a matter of time until these kids burn down an apartment grilling indoors. Last summer they set fire to one of the lawns grilling. I fear for my life.

If all this is a prep for sale, then now's the time to complaint. The worst of it are the large grassy areas. You see that they're seeding with fertilizer-covered seed tro get more 'umpf', but it won't work. The soil has to be aerated & treated with lime and anything else to kill the effects of the dog urine and all the trampling. A lot of areas need to be treated with weedkiller. The paradox here is that people want to have grass and want to be able to do what they want on it that wind up killing it & the only way to bring the grass back is with chemicals that nobody wants. Tishman-Speyer using cultivated sod avoided the chemicals, but laying sod down on lifeless, pounded-down soil gives the grass roots nothing to grow into so the sod kept dying. One way or another something will have to give. Either the grassy areas will continue to get worse or there will have to be restrictions to protect the grass that work.

WHO DO THEY HIRE TO COMPLETE THESE HALF ASSED PROJECTS PRISON INMATES? ALL THIS MONEY WASTED ON SEEDING AND MULCHING BUT HOW MUCH DO THEY SPEND CLEANING THE HALLS OR REMOVING THE GARBAGE THAT PILES UP IN THE RECYCLING AREAS? NOTHING! IN MY BUILDING THE PORTERS SMOKE IN THEIR BACK ROOM AND IT BILLOWS INTO THE HALLWAYS INTO THE ELEVATORS AND UP INTO THE BUILDING WHERE IT GETS TRAPPED LIKE THE FLIES IN THE SUMMER. NOW IT IS ALMIST TIME FOR THE STUDENTS TO DUMP THEIR TEMPORARY LIVES AT THE CURB BY THE TON. CAN'T WAIT TO LOOK AT ALL THE GARBAGE EVERY DAY. AND NOW CROOKED POLES ABD ASTROTURF?????????

Question : Is the fencing permanent or just unless the new grass grows? You can't have Lux Living without the spoils of life. I am a responsible dog owner and I do notice many residents with dogs congregate at the SW quadrant, this is also where the potential market rate renters are paraded thru the complex,carefully choreographed to avoid garbage, workmen, etc.

"Has anyone else noticed an increase in the bee population since they planted all of these new plants? After getting stung several times in my apartment I have to keep the windows shut."

That is good news to me. The bee population has been DECIMATED by climate change and industrial agriculture. And without bees, we all die. Period. The best thing to come out of the landscaping here is that we attract more bees and birds.

>>It is irresponsible for Ace Hardware to fill their new windows with mini grills.<<

I'm not sure that Ace Hardware will be that much of a success around here. Students don't really go to hardware stores. Furthermore, older residents will probably favor the familiar Stuy Town hardware store that's across the street. That store is particularly suited to our needs. I know I will continue to support it.

I shop frequently at the Stuy Town Hardware Store. It carries things that fit our ST apartments. You can buy window shades cut to the exact measurements you need for a ST apartment. The people who run it are very nice too.

The management office should be notified that their commercial tenant is prominently displaying charcoal grills. New tenants might not be aware of the restrictions. The use of these grills is restricted by fire code in NYC, and not allowed on the grounds of ST/PCV by policy. If people see anyone starting a fire on the grounds of the complex, they should notify public safety immediately.

You guys are making so many assumptions about so many things--"students don't really go to hardware stores." HUH, I went regularly to get hooks for pictures, light bulbs, etc. "It is irresponsible for Ace Hardware to fill their new windows with mini grills." There are other residents and who's to say residents won't grill on the oval or the river park? And older folks won't use Ace--and have the opportunity to avoid crossing First Avenue?

I hope there won't be any grilling or barbecuing on the Oval. It's in bad enough shape as it is. All that we who live by the Oval have enough to deal with when all those noisy second rate concerts start up so smelly grilling and barbecuing will be the last nail in the coffin.

@Anon 1:34 I also frequent the T&V hardware, in fact I look forward to going. It's a very convenient store with every kind of hardware product to fit your needs. Even larger items such as drills can be found at a very good value. Anything that's not there I can find at Radio Shack. There's not a chance I'm going to ACE hardware, and in fact I'll probably look to buy more products from T&V with the hope that it will support their business.

However- I am greatly looking forward to Red Mango coming to 1st avenue. Their yogurt and toppings are delicious.

Why does this site, much like the old Lux Living illicit such harsh overtones. I find this site to be very informative, I like to know what my neighbors are thinking. A few facts, dogs are here to stay....so get over it, it seems like only yesterday we had no air conditioning. Students are people too, as long as they are respectful and meet the financial requirements, why not? Management needs to enforce the noise rules, carpeting regulations, and overcrowding? As far as the laundry rooms, this is a lost cause, a rock & a puddle would be a upgrade. The technology is out there, why not here?

I have a question, please, unrelated to anything above except today's Times story, and which I cannot get answered by TA: I hear now and then vague mention that in some few years the rent regs here expire. Does this refer to J-51 or something else; what is the exact date; and does it mean that then every one of us will be liable to immediate de-regulation at the expiration of our then current leases? Would greatly appreciate some facts!! Thank you.

"I hear now and then vague mention that in some few years the rent regs here expire. Does this refer to J-51 or something else; what is the exact date; and does it mean that then every one of us will be liable to immediate de-regulation at the expiration of our then current leases? "

There is a difference between the renewal of the Rent Stabilization Law and the expiration of the J51.

As STR explained, the Rent Stabilization Law needs to be re-approved by the NYS Legislature when it expires in June 2014, unless (somehow) NYC is able to repeal the "Urstadt Law" and regain home rule. Hopefully that would happen after our current administration has departed, but the likelihood of it actually happening is slim. In any event, tenants need to continue to lobby their legislators to continue rent stabilization beyond the above date.

As far as the J51 affects ST/PCV, that exemption is scheduled to expire, but nobody seems to know the exact date. I've heard different dates between 2017 and 2020. As long as the J51 is in effect (and the Rent Stabilization law remains in effect), then the provisions of the Roberts decision prevail, and that means that apartments (no matter the rent cost) remain in stabilization, and tenants are not subject to high income decontrol. Don't forget that Pedro Espada tried to push an exemption through the State Senate that would have nullified Roberts, so the simple existence of the law is not enough to protect tenants.

Unless the circumstances are unbearable (and I don't think they are even remotely close to that; ST/PCV is relatively a very nice place to live in), why would anyone want to move out of a rent-stabilized apartment?

Anony 11.31 AM-Always nice when the pro narcissism/self-absorbed faction chimes in. Red flag quotes of that demo include: "Old Timers", "If you don’t like the noise in the city, move to the suburbs" "If you don’t like it here, move to some retirement home in Florida". And on and on. I'll translate to Vocal Fry for you. "Like, Yah!"

STR--that's my point. I don't mean, "don't complain about anything, you're lucky to even have these apartments." But the degree of drama and hyperbole on some of the most minor issues when you're paying so little in rent compared to the rest of the city and get so much more for that $$, it seems downright ungrateful. Some perspective is in order here.

Reference student dorm apts: there is some law that only two unrelated adults can be on a lease. Is this law at the discretion of the landlord or is some city agency supposed to enforce? [Yes, that is meaningless when truly serious and even life-threatening problems in apts [i don't mean in STPCV} are ignored] but all the apts with 3 or 4 or 5 unrelated nominally adult persons might be actually illegal.

>>STR--that's my point. I don't mean, "don't complain about anything, you're lucky to even have these apartments." But the degree of drama and hyperbole on some of the most minor issues when you're paying so little in rent compared to the rest of the city and get so much more for that $$, it seems downright ungrateful. Some perspective is in order here.<<

I don't look at it that way, though. You do seem to be saying that RS tenants are lucky to have these apartments if the measurement is RS tenants are "paying so little compared to the rest of the city," and that, therefore, RS tenants should be grateful for this perk and, one supposes, keep their mouth shut on whatever can be termed a "minor" issue. In ST/PCV the RS tenants were here first. That's the deal that was in place when they became tenants. (There are also many other RS and RC tenants throughout the city, so we are not alone.) The fact that there is now a considerable tenant body that is Market Rate (albeit, RS too, via the Roberts decision--a joke I know) is not the problem of the original RS tenants. We, the RS tenants, don't NEED to be grateful to anyone, aside from the overall gratefulness one should have for being alive and having a roof over one's head. But I would love it dearly if all Market Rate tenants could become true RS tenants, with rents to match. That's a quixotic fight, for sure, but that's the direction we should be leaning toward, rather hoping for some condo deal that will truly wipe out rent stabilization here, quicker than anything else.

I think I solved the riddle of why Playground 10 is not yet open. If you look at the bulletin board outside the playground, it advertises several sport competitions occurring in the month of May. All happening where? In Playground 10. Now the curious part about these competitions is one of them is a basketball game. Riddle me this...if you were going to have a basketball tournament, why wouldn't you use Playgrounds 9 & 11? Was it a typo? OR, does that mean they are going to put more temporary structures in this playground?

"...when you're paying so little in rent compared to the rest of the city and get so much more for that $$, it seems downright ungrateful. Some perspective is in order here."

When you are paying the overpriced rent that bloodsucking landlords demand for market rate apartments, it's understandable to be jealous of tenants in rent stabilized apartments (which, for most RS tenants are not dirt cheap), but that's your problem. I make no apology for the fact that I am an RS tenant and I have the right to complain about QOL issues and will continue to do so. Get over yourself!

Re: Hyperbole. Anybody want to see real hyperbole? Just go to PCVST official websites and read Management's hyperbole! Read Management's description of the apartments, grounds, facilities, amenities! There you will see HYPERBOLE!!!!! OMG! Like Yah!

You insensitive, entitled, self-absorbed little amoeba, how dare you say such a thing to the thousands of people who made this property the wonderful place that it was to live for many, many decades. It is because of people like YOU that the world is in the awful state that it currently is.

Why should we adapt* when, in most cases, your self-absorbed entitled ass** will be gone in about a year after Daddy cuts off your funds or you’re laid off from Wall Street or that PR firm. Now be nice. stop by Sidebar for happy hour, then go home, watch “Girls” and have yourself a good cry.

@Anony 9.21 AM-Sigh-we have to go through every year with the fresh dump of transients and explain-ST (PCV was always skewed older) used to be diverse community, with families, singles, empty nesters, retirees. Now it’s a dorm dump. This is all part of Bloomberg’s vision for Manhattan, a Dubai on the Hudson. Hope you are happy.

"You insensitive, entitled, self-absorbed little amoeba, how dare you say such a thing to the thousands of people who made this property the wonderful place that it was to live for many, many decades. It is because of people like YOU that the world is in the awful state that it currently is."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! You are proving our point. Can you be any more hysterical or predictable?

Yes, the younger generation is RUINING the world!!! Just like your parents said you did. [Actually, you kind of are ruining now with that attitude] And their parents...

And I am a middle aged New Yorker, so stop making stupid generalizations.

No more suckling at Mother Met's teat, old-timer. Keep whining online, though -- you and your ilk have had enormous success with it.>>

You and your ilk have had enormous failure with everything and you're still sucking on your mama's teet for your allowance and rent money every month. Too bad she failed to make a decent human being out of you, but then she probably was too busy with her own more important stuff.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! You are proving our point. Can you be any more hysterical or predictable?

Yes, the younger generation is RUINING the world!!! Just like your parents said you did. [Actually, you kind of are ruining now with that attitude] And their parents...

And I am a middle aged New Yorker, so stop making stupid generalizations.

Could you be any more juvenile? If you are truly middle-aged, then you are a very scary person, indeed, since you have probably done all the maturing that you are going to do.

There is nothing hysterical about people who have enjoyed a good quality of life wanting it to continue, my friend. And only a silly fool like YOU would disagree and tell us to get over it. And I repeat, it is because of crass, insensitive, entitled, self-absorbed little amoebas like YOU that the world is in the awful state that it currently is.

Too bad we don't have a tenants association anymore. Suing CW Capital and Rose Associates over the law that states that no more than 3 unrelated people may live in any apartment seems like a good idea right now. In fact, Mr Rose if you or any of your minions is reading this consider this your warning that the apartment above me is filled with unrelated renters (I have made you aware of this on several occasions yet you have done nothing about it) and I am seeking out an attorney to file a lawsuit against you and CW capital for allowing it to happen. I will see if the attorney thinks it should be a class action or if individual tenants should just sue you and CW. I heard about a tenants group starting up, if anyone has any info post it so we can get moving to get some tenants representation. I would join and pay dues.

1:38--why are you saying stupid things like "silly fool" and narcissist to anyone who disagrees with you. I think that's what is alienating your opinion--not that you have a different view about quality of life than other residents. It's your personal attacks on anyone who disagrees with you by calling them selfish or amoebas or sucking on mama's teat etc. It's not working as an argument style and it's just not true that anyone who likes the things you dislike are those things.

Sorry Anon 2:42, but I agree with Anon 1:38 and other posters about the narcissism and disrespect for others all too often in evidence in ST & PCV. And so do a lot of other tenants who live here. Good for you - and lucky you! - if you don't come across these kinds of people living here, although I would find that hard to believe. Just look at many of the dog owners who live here and how they let their animals go all over the lawns and the flowers, even while standing in front of a sign that asks them NOT to let their dogs do so. Unbelieveable, really. How can you not think of and call these people disrespectful, self-involved, narcissicists?

Well, there are rude people everywhere--I do have an old lady in my building who drops her garbage at the trash room door in the terrace lobby. There's rude and disrespectful at any age. But generally, there are no more here than any other place I've lived. I like most of the dogs, I haven't heard any barking besides some little yippy things in the daytime on the sidewalk. Most of the folks here are great--I don't think I've met any of the people who are so insulting, calling people amoebas, etc., on this blog though. I don't know how they act in person, maybe they aren't as disrespectful or mean in person as they are here.

There's more money to be had catering to college students and young adults than bitter old-timers who think a food truck parked on the 14th St. Loop constitutes a quality-of-life issue. Even the TA and Danny G. want less and less to do with the perpetual migraine that is the long-time rent-stabilized tenant shaking his fist at teenybopper sunbathers. PCV/ST no longer belongs to the person whose chest once swelled with pride when uttering the words "I live in Stuyvesant Town."

I do know that you like to be a provocateur, but isn't this "bitter old timer" thing getting a bit, eh, old?

Well, STR, it's like this: My husband and I have lived in ST since '92. Even that recently those were glorious days. But the sea change has come (and gone) and this community will never reverse tack. Our lease is up in October and we're going to move out, and, oh, what a hard decision that was. But we're both in our mid-50s, ST "old-timers" to be sure, and life's too short to want to be bitter about a situation you're powerless to alter.

I think there was a chance Lux's effort would make a difference, even if in drips and drabs, you know? Be part of the (admittedly) vocal minority asking schmucks like Tishman and Rose, "What the f*ck do you think you're doing to this institution?" and expecting a respectful, adult discourse. But PCV/ST isn't impervious to the machinations of big business, almost nothing is. The proof looks us in the face whenever we head out to Associated or the Oval. This is what PCV/ST is now.

I thank God for the good years my hubby and I have enjoyed living here, but it's time to go, cheap rent or no. Gotta be happy with your home.

Well, it's too bad that you feel the need to go, but you have to do what is right for you. Yeah, big business (big real estate) is killing the city for the middle class and we are seeing that happening here. But for those of us staying, we still have to raise our voices if we feel something is not right, minor issue or not. Sometimes we lose, but sometimes we win. That's why the TA has to stay strong.

It is much healthier to just move than to remain somewhere you hate, consumed by bitterness on a daily basis. Wouldn't it be great if more miserable longtime tenants moved out? Those who are renting today seem to appreciate what the place offers compared to other options. Don't go away mad.....just go away.

>>It is much healthier to just move than to remain somewhere you hate, consumed by bitterness on a daily basis. Wouldn't it be great if more miserable longtime tenants moved out? Those who are renting today seem to appreciate what the place offers compared to other options.<<

I would challenge your perceptions. "Miserable longtime tenants".... There may be a few who are that miserable, but if they don't move, perhaps they can't because of age and/or finances. Many of the posters who comment here, or on the TA Facebook and previously on Lux's sites, are not "miserable." You mistake bitching about matters (that should be bitched about) for unenduring misery. As for the joy of those who are renting now (I assume you mean newer tenants paying market rate), are you serious? They seem to be more miserable than anyone else, particularly as they are getting stiffed in renewal leases and the lengthy wait for the resolution of the Roberts issue. As for the temporary students that are here, they don't care.

It will only be a matter of time before this rancorous dispute between the noble and the clueless is resolved. Either the place goes condo and rids itself of the greedy incompetent management that allows the quality of life to deteriorate, or it gives itself up completely to the careless, clueless "new generation" those who scream, yell, curse, leave their dog waste and garbage everywhere, and have absolutely no respect for those that preceded them. One thing that does warm my heart is the knowledge that "karma's a bitch", and that those who enjoy their modern narcissism will be tormented by future generations (that they themselves raised).

I'll with you, too, Anon 2:38. The only thing that money hungry Adam Rose and CW Capital care about is that - money. Why they don't comprehend that you can make money AND have happy tenants is beyond me. If you're going to rent to students, make sure they know that there are rules they have to live by and enforce them. If you're old enough to live in an apartment without parental supervision then you're old enough to learn how to behave yourselves and be a good neighbor. OTHERWISE GO LIVE IN ONE OF YOUR SCHOOL'S OFFICIAL DORMS and leave the rest of us here in peace. I am sick and tired of asking you to:

I hear more complaints coming from the younger and market rate tenants, rather than the older long-time tenants. Most of us long-timers have resigned ourselves to the fact that the grounds will never be as they were and it is now a very noisy place to live and that we have to do our laundry offsite if we are to get it done properly. I do hear angry statements from people who expected to get a lot more quality of life for their money, though. They are the ones who say through clenched teeth: "Cant wait to get out of this dump."

The efforts of having any type of fence is much appreciated. While some of it is not so sturdy, it is not meant to be leaned on, but to allow the plants and grass to grow...that's the message that it connotes to those who are guests...they "get it". When the Oval grass area became an "open season" spot, it was one of the most "horrific" ideas because almost everyone used it as a "shortcut". Thank goodness the fence in place now around the Oval is up and monitored. Let's take that example into the grassy green acres around our buildings. Overall, the temporary fence idea (in some spots) should become permanent. "D" fence!

Until There Is Silence No More

The Tenants Association and our councilman Dan Garodnick have mysteriously remained silent about a purported incident that occurred on July 12: the mugging by a group of individuals of someone right by Peter Cooper Village, along 20th Street.

The TA is basically done. Tenants can complain, but any action is negligible. The TA is effectively dead.

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"We'll be introducing a new process to identify registered dogs thus enabling Public Safety Officers to clearly approach offending dog owners. The registration will hang from the leash handle; clearly identifying the dog as registered.

"If the dog is not registered by May 1; a summons will be issued at the point of contact. If we learn the dog owner is not a resident, they will be escorted off the property."

Rick Hayduk, CEO and General Manager of PCVST. Letter to Barry Shapiro, February 2016.

STR here: I have been around since the inception of this dog policy and I have NEVER seen anyone escorted out of ST or PCV with their non-lanyard dog. But I have seen, many times, a dog owner from outside, and his/her dog, casually walking through ST or PCV.

THINKING of Renting in PCVST?

Read Yelp reviews to find out what it's like living here. Please note: All apartments are currently "rent-stabilized" but that doesn't prevent apartments from going up to 4K to 6K a month and even higher. How does this happen? Ask our politicians! Fact: Now less than half of the complex's apartments have the old rents and it's getting worse year by year--or better if you are the Real Estate Board of New York!

The Other Yelp Reviews

Yelp can be tricky and bounce reviews for a variety of reasons, like being a member and posting just one review. Very often, however, these reviews hold important truths about what's being reviewed. READ THESE TOO.

BICYCLES, MOPEDS, SCOOTERS, ETC.

Of course, "private property" but "public access" - whatever that means! And if a part of it is public access, do the rules of the city apply to our roads and sidewalks? Or does anything give because this complex is "private property"? Who comes here in case of a fire in one of our buildings? The Stuy Town Fire Brigade?

Hint: Look both ways if you are in the complex. Look on the ground, too!

61.03 Control of dogs and other animals to prevent nuisance. (a) A person who owns, possesses or controls a dog, cat or other animal shall not permit the animal to commit a nuisance on a sidewalk of any public place, on a floor, wall, stairway, sidewalk, lawn, garden or roof of any public or private premises used in common by the public, or on a fence, wall [or], stairway or entranceway of a building abutting on a public place

Banned & Oversize Dog Breeds in Stuy Town

Looks like there is some difficulty in enforcing the ban on certain dog breeds allowed inside Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village. Somehow pitbulls and pitbull mixes have been registered in STPCV and are allowed to be freely walked about the grounds! Registered dogs in the complex are max 50 pounds. Total, if there is more than one! More than two, it's illegal. It's going to get worse, and, face it, Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village will never be like it once was.

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Current Value of ST/PCV

Was 5.4 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer bought the place.Became 1.7 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer left, with their tail between their legs. Of course, tenants now have to make up the loss.

Ex-landlord

Rob Speyer

1947 Stuy Town Plaque Honoring Met Life Chairman F.H. Ecker (Removed in 2002 and never seen again)

"... who with the vision of experience and the energy of youth conceived and brought into being this project, and others like it, that families of moderate means might live in health, comfort and dignity in park-like communities and that a pattern might be set of private enterprise productively devoted to public service."

I am writing on behalf of everyone at Tishman Speyer to express how honored we are to become part of your outstanding community. We are a business with deep roots in New York, a true love of our city and a great respect for the neighborhoods that make it special. We are committed to maintaining the unique character and environment that have made Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town such a wonderful place to live for so long. We look forward to providing you an extraordinary level of service and attentiveness that will be the source of pride and satisfaction for the entire community.

Neighborhood Recommendations

New to Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village? Here are some basic recommendations.

Best supermarket: Associated on 14th St. between 1st Ave. and Ave A. The cheapest prices, fantastic weekly sales, very affordable lunches; solid, responsive management, but earthy. Some of the young female cashiers have attitude to spare, though. May be too far for Peter Cooper residents.

Best gym: Don't waste your money on the Oval Fitness Gym. Instead go to the earthy but real Asser Levy Recreational Center, right above 23rd St on Asser Levy Place (near the FDR Drive). $75 for a year's membership; seniors are almost free. Contains seasonal indoor and outdoor swimming pools, ping-pong table, two pool tables. Called by some rich people who wouldn't get caught going there "the prison gym," and you know why.

A Stuy Town favorite is Lenz's on 20 St. between the 20 St. Loop. The way New York used to be. Be careful of unwanted "pepper" in your food, however. Lenz's got a B grade rating and was temporarily closed down due to an order from the Health Department. Bruno's on First Avenue is more upscale, with a greater selection of food items (higher-priced, too), but was closed down temporarily by the Health Department. Stuy Town's own cafe was closed, too! And not because of all the dogs that hover and piss outside.

Gracefully has two locations, but we prefer for its size the one on 1st Ave. Prices are high and reflect the new tenants that are currently renting Stuy Town and Peter Cooper apartments. ("Do you have a credit card?") We like Gracefully's lunch specials, which are somewhat affordable.

I priced the CVS on 1st Ave near 14st. The non-aerosol hairspray was 20 cents above CVS' own website price, and one of the highest in NY. (Yes, I have hair.) You can save at least a dollar or more buying at another place. So beware. Look around for a better deal on all your items.

I love warm Quaker Oats in the morning. Gristedes is not the place to get it, nor is Associated, though their price is less. Look around!

Macular Degeneration Support Group

If you are currently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary is offering a support group for you. Conveniently located next to the Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town apartment complex, our group offers the opportunity to share stories with other members, listen to expert guest speakers, and learn coping strategies to reduce stress. Our group runs on the first Wednesday of every month and we would enjoy seeing you there.
Please contact Baptiste Nicolas, Social Work Assistant at 212-979-4105 for further information and to see if this group is right for you!